How to grow a garden that encourages beneficial insects

There is a growing trend in Australia to sources organic food, and local food. This trend, in an industry that is valued at $1.72 billion dollars is growing by over 15% each year.* Once of the best ways to grow your vegetables organically is to ensure that there is a diverse range of insects to create a natural balance in the garden.

A diverse range of plants in a vegetable garden will ensure that pollinators and beneficial insects are attracted. This is desirable as it helps to establish and retain the natural balance in the garden.

Things you can do:

Plant flowers that have nectar and small flower heads. Avoid hybrid and double blooms as the insects have trouble getting into these.

Avoid the use of pesticides – use organic alternatives

Use certified organic seed to grow your plants

Use organic soil mix if growing in pots as some mixes are treated with pesticides

Let herbs go to seed to attract insects and pollinators

Allow spider webs to form in the garden

Provide water in shallow dishes – with stones to allow small insects to access the water

Further reading:

Growing plants for food and shelter as well as physical structures and water to encourage the presence of a range of beneficial insects will have a positive impact on your vegetable garden harvests, reducing plant loss, time spent tending plants and create a natural balance.

What are you doing in your garden to encourage beneficial insects?

Reference:

* Australian Organic Market Report, November 2014 Australian Organic Ltd